PRESS RELEASE

City of Woodland

300 First Street

For Immediate release.

Woodland, California - The City of Woodland continues to work closely with State and local officials to implement plans and protocols necessary to protect those most vulnerable to the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) while ensuring critical services are maintained during these uncertain times.  The City has already taken action to implement COVID-19 mitigation measures in response to guidance from the California Department of Public Health and a recent Executive Order from Governor Newsom concerning public gatherings. 

“If there was ever a time to put aside our differences it is now. The community has always come together during challenging times. We need to work together again and respond in a similar fashion to protect the most vulnerable residents as we continue to provide essential services and navigate through this difficult time.” Mayor Rich Lansburgh

While maintaining essential functions for residents such as public safety and utility services is a top priority for the City Council, other non-essential functions (such as recreation programs) will be suspended until further notice to minimize the transmittal of COVID-19. Specifically, the Library, Community & Senior Center, Woodland Sports Park, and the Charles Brooks Community Pool (and associated programs) will be closed until further notice.  Appointments to conduct business at the Community & Senior Center can be made by calling (530) 661-2000. 

The City has plans in place to ensure all critical functions of City government remain operational during emergency events including infectious disease outbreaks.  The City, along with other local agencies, continues to work closely with the Yolo County Department of Public Health to be apprised of new developments with regulations and protections for Woodland residents, consistent with those being implemented throughout Yolo County. 

On March 17, at a special City Council meeting, the Council will consider adopting a resolution to proclaim a local emergency regarding COVID-19 and suspending the disconnection of utility services for non-payment during the emergency and for 30 days thereafter. This action will assist in a coordinated public health response to reduce transmission and illness severity, provide assistance to health care providers, coordinate and mitigate public services that may be disrupted from this emergency, and mitigate any other effects of this emergency on the citizens of Woodland. The City Council meeting will begin at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers located at 300 First Street. Residents are encouraged to watch the City Council meeting by visiting www.cityofwoodland.org or on WAVE Channel 20 (public comment can also be provided via telephone, check www.cityofwoodland.org for additional details).

Throughout the course of normal business, including at the City Council meeting, Council and staff will be practicing social distancing and other behaviors advised by state and local health officers. The public is encouraged to continue to practice every day preventative measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19: stay home when you are sick, wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects. 

During this challenging time, we want to remind residents that social distancing doesn’t have to mean loneliness. We can still call, text, video chat, or connect with each other. Now is a great time to check in on your neighbors and loved ones and ask, “How are you doing?” “Do you need something?”  Yolo Food Bank has started offering a free home delivered food service for low-income seniors and other vulnerable populations. To ask about assistance, call 530-668-0690 or email info@yolofoodbank.org. Additional assistance options will be added to the Yolo County information page at www. yolocounty.org/coronavirus.  More information is also available by dialing  2-1-1.  If you are interested in volunteering to help others during this time, we encourage you to visit the Just Serve website for opportunities at www.justserve.org or www.handsonsacto.org. 

While residents are limiting their interactions with others in group settings, the local business community is undoubtedly affected by the change in consumer spending. We are contacting local businesses to better understand the impact the recent regulations and reduced consumer spending has had on their establishments so we can develop strategies to help them overcome the economic impacts of COVID-19. The City is committed in its support of the business community and will explore all possible strategies to stimulate a rapid economic recovery.

The City is positioned to utilize all available resources as we navigate this challenging time and as we brace for the social and economic effects of this situation. In the coming days and weeks, it is very likely that many adaptations and new measures will be required as the public health situation evolves, and as mitigation measures impact our community.

The City will be releasing news to the public every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5 pm in order for the residents to be kept abreast of changes in city operations and potential impacts to the Community. Visit www.cityofwoodland.org for additional resources and information as it relates to COVID-19.